Arthritis is a disorder that causes pain, stiffness and swelling in or around joints. It's a chronic disorder affecting about 40 million Americans, and nearly 50 percent of people 65 years old and older. As a leading cause of disability, arthritic conditions limit the activity of more than 7 million people in the United States and are second only to heart disease as a cause of work disability. Some types of arthritis such as osteoarthritis can be prevented in certain cases by risk-reduction strategies. Once present, arthritis is a disorder that can be addressed by identifying symptoms early on and taking measures to reduce pain, discomfort and the risk of disability.
Types of Arthritis
The two most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. These are separate diseases that affect people in different ways.
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, affecting more than 21 million Americans. It is also called "degenerative joint disease" and most often involves the weight-bearing joints. The disorder results from mechanical joint damage - whether from long-term "wear and tear" or previous injury. Osteoarthritis usually is diagnosed in people older than 40. Nearly everyone over 70 has osteoarthritis in at least one joint, but not everyone develops symptoms.
Rheumatoid arthritis does not result from overuse of joints. Rather, it is an autoimmune disease. For reasons that are not fully known, the body's own natural immune system develops a response against its joint tissue that results in inflammation and damage. It can affect someone's entire body and often causes general symptoms, such as fatigue, in addition to joint pain. Rheumatoid arthritis is most commonly diagnosed in people ages 25 to 50, but can affect people of all ages, including children.
Many other types of rheumatic disorders exist. Not all of them are primarily diagnosed in adults. Juvenile arthritis is the name given to a group of arthritis-related conditions that affect children.
Prognosis
Osteoarthritis does not have a cure and is a progressive disease. Medications are available to help relieve pain. While there is no known cure, treatments allow most people with the disease to lead active and productive lives.
Circulatory System
Circulatory System, or cardiovascular system, in humans, the combined function of the heart, blood, and blood vessels to transport oxygen and nutrients to organs and tissues throughout the body and carry away waste products. Among its vital functions, the circulatory system increases the flow of blood to meet increased energy demands during exercise and regulates body temperature.
